DECEMBER 22, DAY 356. THE BIBLE IN 365 DAYS WITH TOYIN, COMMENTARY AND SUMMARY FROM THE BOOK OF 1st PETER

DECEMBER 22, DAY 356. THE BIBLE IN 365 DAYS WITH TOYIN. COMMENTARY AND SUMMARY FROM THE BOOK OF 1st PETER

TITLE: WONDERFUL LIGHT

Are you in his wonderful light or still encumbered with the acts of darkness? Let’s be encouraged together as God’s chosen people:

1st PETER 2^4-25

EMBRACING PRIESTHOOD

“Christ is the Cornerstone in whom we trust and we are never put to shame (v.6; Isaiah 28:16).  “But to those who do not believe, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” {v.7, ref. Psalm 118:22}; Therefore they stumble (see v.8; Isaiah 8:14)

We have become God’s “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” v.9

v.11-12

A CALL TO HOLY LIVING among pagans, so “that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” v.12

SUBMIT TO GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. Even then embrace your freedom “but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers (brotherhood—kjv), fear God, honor the emperor” (v.16-17)

v.18-25

SLAVES—AD 64, EMPLOYEES—21st CENTURY

It is true some in the modern context of employment end up with wicked employers/managers — Believers are admonished to submit though they suffer doing good; just like Christ did.

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [v.22; Isaiah 53:9]. He never retaliated.

“‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’  For “you were like sheep going astray,’  but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” [v.24-25 ref. Isaiah 53:4,5,6]

CHAPTER 3^1-22

WIVES; are expected to submit to their husbands, even those who have unbelieving husbands — should live with purity and reverence for them thereby winning them over for the Lord.

Women should nurture their own self and spirit presenting themselves as gentle and quiet.

v.5 — It has been like this in bible stories that you admire and grandmas’  that we like — Sarah is a perfect example; she obeyed and called Abraham lord. Let us confidently emulate being her daughters (read v.6).

HUSBANDS also have their parts to play — To be considerate, respect their wives as weaker vessels and as heirs together of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (v.7)

• These brief advises are core virtues marriage thrive on; that also evoke blessings on togetherness. The women are judge thereby so are the men.

ADVANCING THE BROTHERHOOD:— be like-minded, sympathetic, love, be compassionate and humble, do not retaliate, repay evil with blessings — this is your calling and you thereby inherit a blessing.

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” (v.10);

Turn from evil, do good, seek peace; “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” {(v.12) v.11-12; Psalm 34^12-16}.

NOTE THAT IT IS TYPICAL FOR BELIEVERS TO SUFFER; but do not fear, esteeming Christ — be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (v.15)

SLANDER IS A WEAPON THEY COMMONLY USE; they will come to shame.  “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death but made alive in the spirit.” v.18: Then some spiritual things happened so that Christ impacted imprisoned spirits, remember the time of Noah? Then those saved by water were only eight (8) —been symbolic — This is the salvation we now have through water baptism — powered by the resurrection of Jesus Christ who is now positioned at God’s right hand with the host of heaven (v.19-22)

• WATER BAPTISM IS A PLEA FOR CLEAR CONSCIENCE  (v.21)
• By now we must understand that the communication in the bible is often symbolic

CHAPTER 4^1-19

FORSAKE EVIL HUMAN DESIRES, LIVE FOR GOD

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.” v.1

Get it over with pagan-like acts of debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, detestable idolatry, recklessness, wild living, this refrain will jolt them and they will curse you but they have incurred God’s wrath — always remember that he is the judge of the living and the dead (v.3-6)

• Are you ever concerned about how the dead will be judged? (see v.6)

v.7 — The end is near. Be alert, be sober, pray more; above all love each other with grace.  Present yourselves as people whose service (expression of gifts and talents) is helped by God. “So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” v.11

THE TAG CHRISTIAN is truly the cause of many suffering today, as it was then.  Thus, if you are insulted “because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rest on you.” v.14

v.15-19

See to it that you do not suffer for the same reasons they suffer — murder, theft, nosy poking busybodies. God’s judgement is on  —strating with the church, many are failing. How worse then is it for the pagans!

CHAPTER 5^1-14

ATTENTION ELDERS, here is an appeal — “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s suffering who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care” (v.1-2a); watching willingly (not for money, advantages or gains), persuading not commandeering— lead by lifestyle.  Now that you are called shepherds anticipate rewards from the Chief Shepherd — you will get a “crown of glory that will never fade”. (v.4)

Likewise, the younger should submit to the older because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” v.5

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” v.6-7

v.8-9 — “Be alert, and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (v.8).  Resist him and stand firm in the faith and be assured you are not alone. God will come through for you, he will restore you after you have suffered a little while he will make you perfect, stable, strengthen, and settle you. (v.10)

v.12-14 — Peter closing his letter shares greetings — with some mentions (v.12-13). Sharing grace and peace he instructs on affection — Greet one another with a kiss of love (v.14)—Always remember culture; what is affection in your society.

NIGHT: 1 PETER 2⁹

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light”

Reference:

• Holy Bible King James Version
• One Year Chronological NIV

Warmth

Toyin